'An inspiring, thrilling book.'-Ellen Bass, co-editor of I Never Told Anyone

'Her Wits About Her is an invaluable contribution to the well-being of all women. As demonstrated in these success stories, as we say no to the violence against us, we grow in courage, strength and self-respect.'-Ellen Bass, co-editor of I Never Told Anyone and leader of Courage to Heal Workshops

'The experiences of these women-who with courage and mother wit escape rape-should forever bury the myth that all we can do when attacked is use feminine wiles or relax and enjoy it. Read Her Wits About Her for information and inspiration.'-Pauline Bard, professor of sociology, University of Illinois at Chicago, and author of Stopping Rape

Her Wits About Her offers the vibrant, empowering message that women can fight back, and so effectively. Common media stories often reinforce the myth that women are helpless and should not defend themselves. Yet current research shows that women who resist do get away and often escape injury.

The positive real-life accounts in this collection tell for the first time how women from all walks of life have successfully defended themselves. We see how they use a wide range of strategies-from the ordinary to the spectacular-including negotiating, shouting, running, kicking, team work , and using weapons at hand. Valuable guidelines for putting the lessons of the stories into everyday practice and an extensive listing of self-defense programs enhance the anthology. Rich in advice and experience, Her Wits About Her will inspire every woman to belive that she has the resources, the courage, and the will to resist assault and survive to tell her story.

Denise Caignon, a wrter and editor, and Gail Groves, a self-defense teacher and socaal worker, have been active in the feminist anit-violence and self-defense movements for the past decade.

Contents

Preface: And he turned around and ran away by Gail Groves
Acknowledgments
A note on racism
Introduction: Women who resist by Denise Caignon
Newark-August 17, 1981 by Janice Angevine
Part I Lose of innocence
Introduction
The shortcut home by Jo Kenny
A stable tale by Elisavietta Ritchie
Going for the throat by Abby Bee
Deaf and not defeated by Suzette V. Garay
Crazymaking by Andrea Sorenson
Journey to confidence by Rachel Harwood
It's worse when they don't mean to by Jeni Schrieber
Part II The power of the voice
Introduction
A jog on the beach by Ann Alberts
Calling his bluff by Nancy T. Miller
A night out alone by Linda Forest
I just want to talk to you by Priscilla Prutzman
Like a broken record by Stella Moreno
She means no by Pamela Morgan
In defense of a child by Adyson Peyton
Insult for insult by Nancy Rawles
What mama taught me by Kikanza Nuri Robins
In the war zone by LInda Weltner
Singing in the rain by Irene van der Zande
Part III Intuition and willpower
Introduction A woman of common sense and courage by Jane Polansky
The will to survive by Jerilyn Munyon
The lesson of three billy goats gruff by Kathleen Zundell
Fighting back in the park by Kitty Geneva
I just got mad by Rosetta Smith
Hitchhiking in the forties by Marjorie French
The spirit fights back by Hallie Austen Iglehart
I let him have it right in the eyes by Pat Deer
Southern Intuition by Denise Caignon
Part IV Weapons at hand
Introduction
The comb in my purse by Lynda Steele
A stone in the sand by Marla J. Calico
With the help of a houseplant by Marie Steinmetz, M.D.
On to Firenze! by Cheryl Byrne Walsh
Have gun, will travel by Ellen Jean Zoltak
Paintbrush in hand by Louisa W. Peat O'Neil
No bluff by Laurea Smith Turner
Part V Life-threatening assaults
Introduction
Here comes the macho woman...by Dora Gonzalez
If at first you don't succeed....by Marsha J. Hamm
Testimony of a welfare mother by Juana Maria Paz
Coming out alive by Py Bateman
Adrenaline: A hitchhiking story by Kimberly Rosa
Waiting for a chance by Leslie Bandle
Asian, femal, and fierce by Cindy Nakazawa
Battle in the cemetery by Rashida
Does he know who I am? by Claire Trensky
Part VI Teamwork
Introduction
Rounding up the campers by D.P.
Facing my demons by Ann Simnton
The confrontation by Nikki
Elevator escape by Tamar Hosansky
Two gutsy women by Chris Weir
Part VII Life strategies and self-defense tiips
Introduction
Showdown in the corridor by Patricia Searles
A groundhog with gumption by Donna Siruitis
Ten commandments: How not to get raped when bicycling alone by Joan Joesting
Self-defense on wheels by Sandi Collins
The getaway bike by Autumn
A test of faith by Barbara Richmiond
So what do I do Now? Ways to learn more about self-defense
Self-defense programs in the United States and Canada
Selected annotated bibliography